Tom Hardycovers the May issue of Esquire magazine, where he shows off just how buff tatted up and sexy he really is. Still, just because he’s known for those things now, doesn’t mean that Tom has always been comfortable with his manliness.

“I have always been frightened with men. To the point where I couldn’t go into a gym because of the testosterone and I felt weak. I don’t feel very manly.” Tom, I can promise you, you are not weak. I mean, do you see those muscles?

Tom seems to have his own way of dealing with it though. “I don’t feel rugged and strong and capable in real life, not how I imagine a man ought to be. So I seek it, to mimic it and maybe understand it, or maybe to draw it into my own reality.” Well that is rather impressive of you.

So, do you think Esquire magazine is right in predicting that the summer of 2015 will be the summer of Tom Hardy? That’s when Tom’s Mad Max: Fury Roadwill finally hit theaters, the first big action movie that he’s carrying all on his own. He’s already proven he can act and kick-ass, so it’ll be exciting.

Check out the rest of Tom’s interview in Esquire, where he opens up about his past with drugs and alcohol. Luckily he’s put that behind him now and can focus on more important things. Like hanging out with puppies.